Post-D&C Pain & Heavy Bleeding: What to Expect & When to Worry

Question
I had a D&C procedure 4 weeks ago for a blighted ovum.  Yesterday I began to have pains that went from the front of my pelvis all the way to the back of my buttocks and they got pretty excruciating as the day went on.  If I even went to sit down it felt a bit like sitting on knives.  It's hard to explain.  At 5 AM this morning a gush of blood suddenly came out and I bled extremely heavily for about 3 hours and then it slowed down a little and was just heavy.  Is this normal for a first period after a D&C?  I have never had such pain or heavy bleeding with a period before.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Dear Mary,

Since this was such an unusual period for you, it was most likely related to the D&C. After a miscarriage and/or D&C, women can really have ANY kind of first period. It can be unusually light or unusually heavy and be very crampy or not at all.

This was probably a one-time, post-procedure occurrence for you. However, if it happens again or if you begin to experience any kind of foul odor or unusual discharge, you'll need to contact your doctor.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and a Happy Easter!

Brenda